Office of the Quartet Head of Mission Speech at the Ministerial Session of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (Non-UN Document)

26 September 2024

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Prime Minister, Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Let me start by reiterating a point made by previous speakers as it bears repeating – and that is the importance of an increased immediate response, and its connection to shaping the political and security landscape that we will inherit the day after a cessation of hostilities.

In that connection, allow me to make three brief points.

First, since last we met in Brussels our engagement with Prime Minister Mustafa’s government has accelerated and intensified across an array of sectors in both the West Bank and Gaza. What we have particularly welcomed is the successful balancing of government leadership, with active partnership with the international community. And so, my first point is to recognise that very welcome approach and to recommit our support to it.

Second, we have seen the success of this approach in our engagement on Gaza, including both on the resumption of basic services and the efforts to enable the entry of basic commodities through the Assisted Basic Commodities Distribution initiative. That engagement has resulted in plans that are clear, funded and ready for implementation in a manner that will dramatically improve the current situation on the ground, provide a bridge to early recovery plans and which will also help shape the political and security reality the day after the cessation of hostilities.

Some elements of this plan are already underway, but full implementation of the remaining components will require Israeli facilitation, for the entry of material and equipment needed to undertake the works required and coordination to ensure that work can be carried out safely and efficiently.

Third and finally, proceeding with the elements outlined above provides a fulcrum in other areas, including in the resumption of much needed education and health services at scale. It can also help create an environment where some of the more difficult medium-term issues, including governance arrangements and the security sector can be addressed. In that regard, we are encouraged by our nascent engagement in a number of these additional areas, a clear demonstration of the forward thinking underway and the potential to address the medium-term challenges that can help establish a trajectory towards a two-state solution.

Thank you very much.